inky the hamster mommy

Rodent Recipe Challenge ~ the March ingredient is...

2012-03-06T16:47:00.002-06:00

... broccoli!

Before you even think of reading the below post, watch the video. Squeeeeee!

Hamsters and broccoli go way back... here's some background.

broccoli is Rory's hands down favorite food
hamsters can have broccoli cooked or uncooked...
...but it should be unseasoned
surprisingly, there are a lot of different kinds of broccoli out there. Rory really likes the "peacock" kind, if you can get ahold of any
organic is best for hamster health
search up "hamster with broccoli" on Google Images-- so adorable!

Some of those inspiring images are below. All via WeHeartIt and Pinterest.

And finally... one from this very blog!

And now without further ado::

LINK UP BELOW!

P.S. Yeah, going green for St. Patrick's Day! New design coming.

A short post with a photo

2012-03-05T20:26:00.001-06:00

It just occurred to me that I haven't posted a photo of Lil Miss Rory, the star of this blog, in a while. Well, here she is :)

Another hamster blog, and a great giveaway!

2012-03-03T11:52:00.003-06:00

I logged on today and realized that it's a few days into March and I still haven't announced the March ingredient! Tsk, tsk, bad me. I haven't really done my research on what exactly it should be, though, so the ingredient is now in my coming soon box. My coming soon box is coming soon to the sidebar, where the banner for World Spay Day used to be.

Rory got one vote at World Spay Day, meaning my lil hammie has donated one dollar to help spay and neuter pets all around the globe. Applause for Rory and all the other rodents and animals that helped with this amazing cause!

On my hamster-blog-discovery travels, I found another up-and-coming hamster blog.
Say hello to Jennifer's Hamsters.

In related news, there's a great giveaway going on over at Animal Tails. There's a chance to win the beautiful magnet below. (Ends February 17th) Click the picture to go straight to the giveaway post.

P.S. I'd like to thank everyone for getting me to and past the fifty-followers benchmark. Yay :)

The Versatile Blogger Award

2012-02-29T19:03:00.001-06:00

This is my first time ever being tagged, so here I go...

I'd like to thank pbquig from Pirate Knitting for this award!

So, here are the rules that go along with this award...

In a post on your blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.
In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
In the same post, include this set of rules.
Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

Now, on to the seven random things...
seven random things about me

i am the mommy of an amazing little syrian hamster named Aurora Borealis
i have an iPod that i sometimes post from. find my Instagram at @inkythehamstermommy
i love Animal Planet, but don't have cable
i have never curled my hair, ever. i want to sometime, but never got around to it
i feed my hamster all-organic
i once accidentally ripped the "H" key out of my laptop, and believe me, it was hard to blog about hamsters that way
my pillow smells like shampoo

And now, on to the blogs that I nominate for the award!
Let's begin with some hamster blogs...

(I only nominated the ones that have some informative info as well as just personal hamster blogging)
And now, on to the other animal blogs I love reading...

And now, some other blogs that I love...

Wow, that took a long time, going around everywhere trying to narrow down all my favorites. Anyhow, thanks again to pbquig.

P.S. This is my ninety-ninth published post.

Requesting posts...

2012-02-27T14:30:00.000-06:00

I've been getting some questions in the Cbox about a variety of things lately, so I decided to open the blog up for requests. From research on many types of rodents, I can generally produce an answer to your questions, or track one down.

If you'd like to request a post, please comment on this post or leave a shout in my Cbox.

There are some questions I've already been asked, A.K.A. posts I will be working on soon.

toys, and other ways to alleviate boredom in rodents
how to stop your hammies/gerbils from biting

P.S. I've been browsing this website for hamster articles ever since I received the March issue of the magazine, which had a piece on the fermentation of stored hamster food. I recently found some photos there of a very strange hotel situation.

>>Click here to read<<

Hamster Training ~ A guest post from Hannah

2012-02-26T05:36:00.007-06:00

Hi everyone! This is Hannah here from Animal Tails blog! :) I am really excited to be doing this guest feature for Inky... :D
My blog is about hamsters too, so I thought doing a guest post would be a great idea when she said she was looking for some. Also got a giveaway going on soon if you want to have a look :)

Many people get a pet hamster, but unfortunately do not know how to tame him or her. This means that the hamster may bite or become twitchy or scared all the time, and may never grow used to being handled.

So, I decided to do a post all about just how to train your hamster, and the hamster training 'DOs' and 'DON'Ts'

Hamster Taming DOs

Talk to your hamster in a soft, gentle voice
Move slowly when holding your hamster, and when approaching your hamster
Be patient with your hamster, it will take a while to tame him/her
Allow him/her to smell your hand before picking him/her up
Wash your hands before handling so that you always smell the same (it will help your hamster recognize you)
Allow him/her to calm down and relax for a while if she is afraid at first

Hamster Taming DON'Ts

Let your hamster fall from high heights
Make loud noises (hamsters have very sensitive hearing)
Pick up your hamster while she/he is sleeping
Make quick or jerky movements
Do not try to wake your hamster with a small poke, as your hamster may think it is food and will probably bite

Also, when you first get your hamster, you should always make sure you handle him or her every day for the first few weeks. This will help your hamster get used to you.

HOWEVER, make sure you leave your hamster alone in its cage for at least 24 hours before handling her/him when you first get her, as he or she will need time to adjust and get used to everything.

Some in-focus photos

2012-02-24T21:04:00.001-06:00

Earlier today Rory was up, so I came over to the cage to hang out, iPod in hand!

Treats~ A Guest Post by Onion

2012-02-22T13:46:00.001-06:00

Hello Inky's blog readers :D its Onion here from Confessions of a Hamsterholic and I'm delighted to be doing a guest post for Inky ^_^.

Treats

I have a huge drawer full to the brim of treats for my hamsters and mice, and there is a huge variety of things you can give them ranging from fruit to dog treats. If you don't want to read through the following post (shame on you XD) then here is a video on what I keep in there.

First off I have a selection of drog treats:

Bonio puppy milk bones
Bonio normal bones - only feed half at a time as they are huge
Markies/Marrowbone - these are great for protein and all my pets love them
Chewy bones - tiny little chewy gravy bones, mine don't really like these that much :(
Baker's Allsorts

Dog treats are fine for hamsters as long as there is little/no onion in them.

Next I have various sweet treats:

Milk drops
Yogurt drops
Apple strudel biscuits
Berry drops
Raisins

As with all treats feed these in moderation, especially the sweet ones. Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes so sweet treats should be a rarity.

Then onto miscellaneous:

Several babyfood jars - babyfood is a great treat loved by all my rodents, and they get a small bowl once a month. Ensure it doesn't have onion in it though!
Sun-ripened corn - don't feed these too often
Monkey nuts - they love getting into these and it entertains them for a while
Seed sticks - also can include honey sticks, mine get one per monthish
Seed bells - my dwarf hamsters love these
Egg biscuits - a favourite by far
Boiled/scrambled egg - fantastic source of protein
Mealworms - everyone loves these except my syrian :( another great source of protein
Apple - small amounts
Carrot
Broccoli
Under no circumstances feed your hamster citrus things!

I think that is everything. The main thing to remember is to only feed them in moderation, you don;t want your hamster getting fat or sick. Thanks for taking the time to read through, and thanks to Inky for letting me post on her blog!

~Onion

Rodent Food Mix~ A Guest Post by Mary from Neon Chipmunk Makeup

2012-02-20T17:23:00.005-06:00

Hello, world, Inky here. And this time it's to introduce the first of a string of guest bloggers-- Mary! You can find her makeup blog right here. Following are some of the things she feeds her three mice, gerbil, and Chinese dwarf hamsters.

1 bag of Kaytee Fiesta Mix - Mouse and Rat Formula.

5 oz. Wild Bird Seed

6 oz. Medium Barley, uncooked.

7 oz. Purina One dog food.

1 oz. Dry pasta, broken in pieces

4 oz. Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 oz. Raisins, cut in half

4 oz. Peter's Rabbit Pellets - Maintenance Formula

1 oz. Chopped Almonds

3 oz. Roast Soy Beans

4 oz. Quaker Oats - uncooked

1 handful of peanuts w/ shells

2 oz. Chopped Walnuts

4 oz. Rice - Uncooked

2 oz. Banana Chips - broken in pieces

4 oz Cheerios

4 oz. Cracked Corn

Looking over that list, there are definitely some that Rory would love. Dried fruit can be a mixed bag-- raisins can sometimes get stuck in the cheek pouches, but banana chips sound interesting.

Signing off,

Instagram Portraits

2012-02-19T13:08:00.001-06:00

Fooling around with Instagram again...

Winners of the Hamster-Themed Giveaway!

2012-02-18T13:02:00.000-06:00

So, the results are in! Remember this giveaway? Well, Rafflecopter has randomized the entries and I am proud to announce the winners!

The winner of the 1.25 inch Hamster Button/Magnet is Entry #204, micia!
(For the Facebook "like")

The winner of the Knitted Hamster Necklace and Hamster Keychain is Entry #89, ffnftgerbils!
(For the favoriting gerbilgal on Etsy)

And finally, the winner of the Hamster Stuffed Animal is Entry #51, Aimee!
(For following via GFC)

Congrats to all the winners, I'll email all of you for address information and such, and then you can enjoy your prizes!

Continuing the call for Guest Posters...

2012-02-17T19:52:00.002-06:00

To start off, check out the Inky the Hamster Mommy Google+ page.

Also, the giveaway is ending tomorrow, so go and enter if you haven't already! Enter here!

Guest posters, email me at hamsterheart777@gmail.com. Thank you so much to everyone who has already emailed me about this.

Confessions of a Hamsterholic: Is a Hamster Right for You?
When deciding you want a pet, and more specifically a hamster, there are quite a few things to consider. First off, will a hamster fit...

Take a look at the post above, it's an excellent read especially for newbies to the hamster world.

Coming Up-- Hamster App Reviews

2012-02-15T21:22:00.001-06:00

So, I was thinking... my iPod generally distracts me from writing blog posts, what should I do about it?

And I decided to do app reviews. Most of the hamster apps are free or include free versions, so doing app reviews would be both free and fun.

I downloaded a batch of seven to start, check out below.

A Valentines Day Post, the Day After Valentines Day

2012-02-15T19:39:00.000-06:00

My schedule is crazy, which is why most of the posts this week have been from my iPod, but I'm back on the laptop (I missed having actual keys to type on).

This image made my day. So adorable.

Via WeHeartIt

Some Instagram photos follow, of Rory-- who else?

Having way too much fun with this little program. Remember to email me at hamsterheart777@gmail.com if you'd like to guest post here for more info.

For any hamster-loving Instagrammers...

2012-02-14T20:00:00.001-06:00

Please subscribe to my Instagram, @inkythehamstermommy. Thanks!

Instagram Shots

2012-02-13T20:11:00.007-06:00

I absolutely love this program, read on for some photos I just took of Rory.

Rory and I-- Right this second!

2012-02-13T16:06:00.001-06:00

Posting to tell all of you about my brand new shiny Apple device... That photo was taken literally seconds ago.

Bad quality, oh well.

P.S. The Blogger app doesn't like my signature, so if you see a signature-less post, that's probably why.

The Hamster Mom Surfs the Web (and a call for Guest Posters!)

2012-02-12T10:47:00.000-06:00

I was bored, so I decided to search the web and figure out what happens when you type "hamster" into all the search engines. I left out Wikipedia and such, because they pay search engines to be the first result.

Google
Hamsters: Hamsterific! About hamsters for hamster lovers!

Yahoo!

Hamster - Academic Kids

Bing

Hamster - Academic Kids

Intrigued by finding this one website I'd never heard of as the first result on two search engines, I went to go check it out.

Hmmmm, a wiki.

Academic Kids is a wiki, and so I went back to Yahoo and Bing to look at the next search result.

Skipping over "WikiInfo," I came across the About.com ExoticPets page for hamsters.

Interesting, but now I was on the hunt for an actual website, not just an article.

With that, I got back to Hamsterific, which, by the way, is a good hamster site.

The real point of this post is a call for guest posters...

I'll be taking a blog break soon, and want to have some fresh, informative content about hamsters.

If you're interested, please email me at hamsterheart777@gmail.com so that we can work out details. Thanks so much for the interest! As for the dates, I'm thinking maybe the 19th to March 4th (giveaway winners are announced on the 18th.)

Portraits of Rory

2012-02-11T13:15:00.004-06:00

To start off, sorry for the lack of posts. I didn't want to take an actual blog break, but I've been on one in effect. Anyhow, here are some photos saved up on my camera they're all adorable portraits-- I think Rory's becoming less camera-shy!

A New (old) Hamster Blog

2012-02-11T12:55:00.000-06:00

Hamsteropolis

This one is an older one I've been enjoying reading through (though never posted about), and today I logged on to see that the blogger is back at it, posting again-- and with a brand new hamster in tow! She is adorable, but I don't want to steal this blog's thunder by putting a photo here. Go ahead, click the link!

Valentines Day Header?

2012-02-09T19:06:00.000-06:00

I changed the header design slightly and want to know what you think!
I originally used the shapes preloaded onto Photoshop Elements, but they turned out pixelly on the web so I switched to an image of a kiss.

Thoughts?

Building the 2012 Hammie Blog List

2012-02-06T13:32:00.000-06:00

Let us take a trip back in time. Remember this Happy New Years post?

(Actually, I'm not referencing all of it, although the hamster ecards were pretty awesome :D)

I'm talking about this.

"So, 2012.
2011's been a great year for hamsters. A lot of wonderful new hamster bloggers have started their journey into the blogosphere this year, and if no other hamster blogger is going to list them, then I will.

Cheek Pouches-- Started November 2011
Dashing Hamsters: A website for modern hamster lovers-- Started April 2011
FLUFFY TOUGHIE-- Started April 2011
My Hamster-- Started May 2011
and, this blog, Inky the Hamster Mommy, started August 2011!
There are so many amazing hamster bloggers out there that I would be hard-pressed to mention all of them, so if I didn't mention you there, I'm sorry."

It's true, 2011 was an amazing year for hamster bloggers. I know I didn't get everyone, sorry about that, but I mentioned a lot of the ones that are some of my favorites now.

But, if things keep going the way they have been, '12 will be nothing on '11 in terms of budding hamster bloggers. With so many cropping up just in January, I imagine '12's version of that list will be much longer.

Here's a shoutout to some awesome ones that are just beginning. Not in any real order, just alphabetical, since that's the way my "Following" list is organized.

That's just in January/February so far. I'd say the hamster world has made progress.

Give me some feedback

2012-02-05T11:11:00.000-06:00

I was considering putting a poll on my (oh so cluttered) sidebar, but decided (probably wisely) against it. Below is a poll for you to vote on, that has a comment function as well (please use it! It's under view, which takes you to the pollcode page for the poll.)

BeingFunky

2012-02-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

Being a Google Chrome user, I have BeFunky Photo Editor, and have been meaning to use it in some way, and now I'm going to try it out.

Remember this post?

I loved that first photo, so I decided to play around with it a bit.

Cyanotype

Lomoart

"Old photo"

Orton Style

Pinhole

and, of course, Pop Art

Then, I moved on to "Artsy Effects..." They all really do something absurd to Rory's fur...

Cartoonizer

Inkify

Underpainting

Dressing up for Valentines Day!

2012-02-04T13:52:00.002-06:00

Decided to screw around with the background of this blog a bit for Valentines Day. The swatch is below for me to have someplace to put it...

I don't know how well I like it, what do you think?

This one's better, and this one's the one that's my background right now.

Did some fooling around with the header and the colors of the links, too.

I don't know about the link colors, tell me what you think.

Entry In!

2012-02-03T16:50:00.002-06:00

Yes! My World Spay Day photo entry is in! Check it out right here.
I went with your votes and chose the photo below. Adorable, much?

Again, please click the link above (or the picture!) to read my entry and/or donate. There's a button on my sidebar for this, too.

I need your help...

2012-02-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

... Deciding what in the world I'm going to turn in for the World Spay Day contest...

Last night I took some photos, they're numbered. Please vote below in the comments section. Thanks :)

Photo 1

Photo 2


Photo 3

If there are other photos you've seen on this blog that you like more than these, feel free to tell me about them... the World Spay Day contest is going to be so much fun, check out Hannah's entry right here. Lolly is so cute!

Rodent Recipe Challenge ~ the February ingredient is...

2012-02-01T17:18:00.000-06:00

... pasta!

No one who's been reading this blog for a while expected me to go this long without mentioning Hamstertracker.

Now, some facts about hammies and pasta.

there's some debate in the world about whether hamsters should eat uncooked pasta. the general belief is that cooked pasta is best, and only in small quantities, as Lucy illustrates above.
the pasta should be unsalted and unseasoned
this isn't about hammies, it's just about pasta... there are a lot of different kinds of pasta out there. you can pick whichever you and your rodent like best.
there are also a lot of different pasta ingredients. the regular white kind works well for most hamsters, but if you're looking for something closer to their natural diet, whole wheat is good for both rodents and humans.

For additional inspiration, below are the most classic and beautiful photos of them all. Cheezburger photos!

Wow, Cheezburger really had fun with that last photo.

Good luck in the Challenge!

Now, without further ado:::

LINK UP BELOW!

World Spay Day 2012 Online Pet Photo Contest

2012-02-01T16:39:00.000-06:00

Just got on the internet, searching around for suitable hamster cuisine and found this! It starts today and ends on February 29th-- I think I'll enter, although photography is probably not my best skill -_-

The concept is pretty simple: each photo is entered in the Judged Category, presented to the judges, and 11 winners are picked based on photos and personality (they get this aspect from a form). The winners get prizes.

Then, there's the optional Fundraisers Category. You choose a charity you'd like to support, and then forward your photo to friends (and blog followers :D). They can choose to donate in your pets name, and the money is used to help spay and neuter pets to help control overpopulation. If you win that, you'll get more prizes.

So, these are the animals you can enter. Check it out, and good luck if you take a shot!

Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, burros, donkeys, mules, mini horses, ponies, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, mice, rats, pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, cows, canaries, budgies, zebra finches, society finches, lovebirds, and freshwater aquarium fish.

Escape and Recapture

2012-01-31T16:08:00.003-06:00

They say it happens to everyone at some point... I feel so lucky that I was prepared.

Last night, Rory escaped. She's safe in her cage again now, I can see the steady rise and fall of her fur underneath the bedding from outside the cage as I type this (she's asleep), but I'm still worried about my poor hammie.

It was my fault, I left her in her "handling box" with a blanket draped across the side while I walked downstairs, and when I came back up, she was scurrying away into the bathroom.

I'm also lucky that she was in the best room possible for an escape. The bathroom has nothing in it-- a cabinet, a toilet, a wastebasket, and that's about it. I scooped her up into her travel cage and moved her back home, to safety.

So, that was my evening last night. =(

In unrelated news, the flow of giveaway participants has slowed to a trickle, and the winner will be announced February 18th.

As of this very second, there are 361 participants signed up for the A to Z Challenge, four of them being me, Aimee over at My Crazy Animals (she's number 25! I'm so jealous! :D), Hannah over at Animal Tails, and Onion over at Confessions of a Hamsterholic. (I'm going to stop giving updates on how many participants there are after this... I'd be updating every second to keep it up to speed...)

And, tomorrow is when I will announce February's featured ingredient in the Rodent Recipe Challenge.
Anyone can start participating whenever they like, but it would be best to start with February and keep going until the end of the year for the best shot at being crowned winner. You never know, though.

Rory's paparazzi strike!

2012-01-30T16:16:00.000-06:00

Last night, Rory's paparazzi struck again.
We used up the battery life on my old Casio Exilim, then burned through about half the battery on the "family camera," a Canon Ixus.

{Excuse the blurriness, it was late and Rory doesn't like standing still.}

Just FYI, those black things in the background that look like wires are actually part of an abstract lamp fixture about a yard away.

Sorry for the weird cast, don't know why it turned out that way, but otherwise this would have been a great shot, with Rory's fabulous position and stillness.

Took this just as the lamp sitting next to the cage started to fall and the person sitting next to it caught it at an angle...

Acrobat!

Rory investigates my laptop...

Reminding everyone who's going to join the Blogging for A to Z challenge...

It starts today! Enter the linky list right here. There are a looooottttt of names on that list-- at 2:40 when I got online, over 200 people had already entered. I'm number 243.

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

2012-01-28T16:41:00.000-06:00

Being a blog with a very specific and small niche is hard. It's hard to promote, hard to design in a way that reflects the topic, and probably hardest to find content for.

Enter the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.

The basic principle:
-blog every day in the month of April except Sundays
-blog thematically from A to Z

Or, let me say it in the words of the website:

"Most of the time if you subtract Sundays from April, you then have 26 days–one day for each letter of the alphabet. When April 1st lands on a Sunday you begin on that day which will be the only Sunday you would post during that month’s challenge.
Using this premise, you would start beginning April First with a topic themed on something with the letterA, then on April second another topic with the letter B as the theme, and so on until you finish on April thirtieth with the theme based on the letter Z. It doesn’t even have to be a word–it can be a proper noun, the letter used as a symbol, or the letter itself. The theme of the day is the letter scheduled for that day."

I'm going to join, sign up starts Monday. Check it out!

Check out Rory's Blog Feature @ Animal Tails

2012-01-28T13:29:00.000-06:00

Animal Tails :): Blog Feature – Featuring Rory, Inky’s hamster!

Remember this linkup post to the Feature Contest over at Animal Tails?
Above is the link to Rory's feature!

Animal Tales, by the way, does amazing posts and contests, check them out right here.

Take a Peek Into My Hamster Library-- Training Your Pet Hamster by Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville (2002 Edition)

2012-01-26T17:20:00.000-06:00

Right before I bought Rory, my hamster library grew immensely, from one outdated thrift-store find to ten good books, to twenty, many of them both entertaining and up to date.

So, I thought I would let my followers take a look into my hamster library.

Training your Pet Hamster
by Gerry Buscis and Barbara Somerville

Click here to look inside.

I loved this book. Unlike some other books on hamsters from the time period, this one is playful and entertaining while still offering good, valid information.
The authors stress the importance of having a large, enriching cage space with supplemental exercise times, something that I feel can't be stressed enough. The writing is light and more conversational in tone than many hamster books, and the pictures... the pictures-- they are absolutely heart-melting.
The training process is similar to the one that I use with Rory, and I like the wide variety of exercise options outlined. This is amazingly forward-looking information that most 2000-2005 books wouldn't have mentioned. Toy recommendations are top-notch, image quality rocks... all in all, I'd say this is well worth the nine dollars on Amazon.

Have you entered my giveaway? Check it out!

Winter Giveaway!

2012-01-24T16:20:00.000-06:00

Right now, in the United States Midwest, we're going through that time between the fluster of the holidays and the start of spring-- that time where everyone just trudges along, reminiscing about what's passed and hoping for what's ahead.

That's the perfect time for a giveaway.
(This is going to be quite a long post... just keep reading and you'll get to the good stuff.)

So, the first sponsor is Hikaru811 on Etsy!
She's generously donating this adorable button.

The next one is Gerbilgal on Etsy!

She's generously donating two items, a set of a knitted necklace and a cute keychain, and a hamster stuffed animal!

Knitted necklace options

Keychain options

Stuffed Animal!

And now, the Rafflecopter widgets!
P.S. There are some repeats here, since Rafflecopter won't let you do different drawings for different prizes.
If you've done it already, then click "Enter" and I'll sort it out. Sorry!

now, if you're reading this from the homepage... click "read more" below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just to clarify, this is how you should post a comment for the "Leave a Comment" bit:

I really like the agouti gerbil from Gerbilgal on Etsy.

Make sure you're actually leaving a comment about the shops if you check "leave a comment."

Something to look forward to...

2012-01-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

Please excuse the design failure, my blog HTML stuff is all over the place, but it will get better, I promise. In the meantime, bear with me and my very limited web design skills.

But, that giveaway is still coming up. Or, to say it in a more interesting background, etc.:

Notebook-thingy from shabbyblogs.com

Design

2012-01-22T12:46:00.000-06:00

My cool stripey background is currently screwed, but I will eventually figure it out.
The swatch below is for me, while I'm figuring it out.

In the meantime, signing off for the day.

UPDATE (a few hours later): yeah, I lied. Twice. 1st, I didn't figure it out, I cheated ;) and 2nd, I didn't sign off for the day. Had to check on the precious bloggie.

3rd, I'm just going to keep that swatch there because it looks cool.

I won an (half of an) award!

2012-01-22T09:30:00.000-06:00

Animal Tails :): Blog Feature WINNER(s)

And now, for the winner of my Blog feature winner! I could not decide on just one winner, so it is joint. And it goes to..... PhiraXSebasChan and InkBlots!

Yesterday, PhiraXSebasChan and I jointly won this award!

First, definitely check out her blog, "My Hamster," and Hannah's blog, "Animal Tales."

From scenicreflections.com

Second, yaaaay!

Something that has to be said...

2012-01-21T12:29:00.000-06:00

Usually, I would hate the idea of undermining the photoshoot or some earlier post by posting again so early, but something just has to be said. So, for something way more cheery, check out that post below.

That is that the internet is in danger and we need to help it.

I'm talking, of course, about SOPA and PIPA, a.k.a. the Stop Online Piracy Act (in the House) and the Project IP Act (in the Senate).

Both of these bills would censor the internet and stifle creativity and growth through the web.

Time is running out. The Senate votes on PIPA on the 24th. I urge anyone reading this to write to your senators from here or here.

I don't want the web censored and I can speak for millions of Internet users as I write this.

~Inky

Rory vs. Clay Pot-- a January Photoshoot

2012-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

Rodent bloggers, rejoice! The Rodent Recipe Challenge is up! Find buttons, sign-up info, and participants here.

Just remembered the fact that I have not done a photoshoot in the longest time. So, the other night, I brought out Lil Miss Rory, spent about a half-hour fixing the lighting, and went for it! Take a look!

Rory poses glamorously for the camera.

This is the photo set, Rory's modeling/travel cage (that's why it's so small) plus a little clay pot.

Just getting a shot of that clay pot.

I baited Rory with a grain of wild rice to get this shot. Go natural healthy treats!

This is a hamster's eye view of the photoshoot. The light is kind of bright, but I repeatedly checked it to make sure it wasn't hot. Note the bookshelf housing "How to Cook Everything" in the background.

Rory takes a break.

Spontaneous cute pose. Circus Rory!

Wild rice again. This has to be Rory's favorite grain.

Happy January, everyone!

Rodent Recipe Challenge!

2012-01-17T16:40:00.000-06:00

So, I've been thinking, since it's January, every other blog has issued its challenges for the year-- the "photograph something random every day" ones, the "post in alphabetical order" ones, the "post every single day" ones-- and I thought I'd try it out.

Presenting...

Banner made on Photoshop Elements 7.0 by yours truly.

Inspired by this amazing website, and by this amazing book, the Rodent Recipe Challenge works like this:

Each month, starting February, you will spend one day creating, posting, and testing a rodent-safe recipe that highlights a delicious, rodent-friendly food that will be announced on the first of each month.
You will post the recipe, and (possibly) pictures of your rodent enjoying it on your blog, and link to it in a comment or in my Cbox.
The food will be announced (as above stated) on the first of every month, but you can do the blog post at whatever date you like, as long as it is before the next month begins.
I will set up a separate page on this blog to list participating blogs and recipes.
Rodents that can participate: mice, rats, degus, gerbils, hamsters, capybaras, chinchillas, squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs-- if you keep it, and it's a rodent, it's eligible!

Finally, the buttons. If you'd like to participate, please add one of the two buttons below to your sidebar.

Colored

P.S. Yay! Now the official Challenge Page is up! The top is a copy of this post, but scroll down to see all the entrants.

A Diverse New Blog!

2012-01-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

Confessions of a Hamsterholic

Keeping with that tradition of finding brand-new hamster blogs, presenting...

The newest hamster blog on the block! Originally, I was wondering if quite as many wonderful hamster blogs would be started in 2012 as in 2011, but now I'm sure. This blog is adorable and has a diverse sampling of hamsters. Check it out!

P.S. Keep checking back for that giveaway. Not going to spill the details, but it is pretty awesome.

Rory eating a carrot: Photos!

2012-01-15T11:32:00.000-06:00

Just realized that I haven't posted new pictures in forever. Here are some new shots from last night.

Accidentally used flash on this one, but Rory didn't seem to mind.

Pinterest-ing!

2012-01-14T15:50:00.000-06:00

Rory Borealis (rorythehamster) on Pinterest

Coloring is not like Rory's, appetite is!

'via Blog this'

Rory's pinterest above...

Aurora Borealis (Rory)

2012-01-14T08:05:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Hannah's Pet Feature Challenge!
By InkBlots

Rory's first night at my house.

Rory came home with me on a sunny day in August, exactly a month after my birthday. She was the sweetest little hamster in the pet store, always the one to press her nose up against the glass and wiggle her whiskers.

Months from now, I look back on that day and know I made the right choice.

Rory scales the bars of her travel cage.

Rory wakes up at six pm and climbs up to the top of her cage on the bars, sometimes just looking around. She's still young (this year was her first New Years and I estimate her to be about five or six months now), and runs in her exercise ball with regularity.

Rory inches toward her yogurt-covered prey.

The whole family loves her and knows her name, and she gratefully accepts her place as the hub of family treat-sneaking. Her favorites are those yogurt drops that taste like carrot cake.

Rory peeks out at the camera.

"Ha! Gotcha!"

ENTERED.

New Giveaway Coming Up!

2012-01-13T18:55:00.000-06:00

There's a brand new giveaway coming to this blog... probably around January and February. I'm using Rafflecopter.com just to make entry collection a bit easier.

Beginner hamster info

2012-01-13T16:21:00.000-06:00

Cheek Pouches: Getting a hamster? :-):

Hey guys! (: Nibbles here. I was looking for some posts to do as we have been asking for posts more often! Its great to here from you guy...

Great hamster info for beginners, it's a good idea to ask all these questions before you decide to get a hamster. Amazing stuff.

My Etsy Faves

2012-01-12T11:07:00.000-06:00

A New Blog for the Blogroll!

2012-01-12T10:08:00.000-06:00

Hamster Diary: It's cold recently here in Tokyo!It's cold recently here in Tokyo! But Hammy is good as usual :) Let's play hide and seeeek! Can you see where I am?? ...

Keeping with my tradition of searching all over the web for fresh new hamster bloggers, introducing Mickey, author of the blog linked to above. Loving the cute photos!

Linking to a good post!

2012-01-12T10:04:00.000-06:00

Animal Tails :): 5 top tips for where to put your hamster cage:
This post should help people who are just getting a hamster, or have recently bought one. 1) Keep the cage away from any draughts. ...

To start of a day of hamster-blog reading, check out the post linked to above. The information is top-notch.

Testing, testing, 1-2-3

2012-01-09T12:22:00.001-06:00

This is a test post for my signature. Let's see if it works.

EDIT: Yes, it does! And now, roll the credits.
Step-by-step Instructions
Image Editor-- Photoshop Elements 7.0

New Years Resolution #1-- Be more Artsy

2012-01-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

The entire world can basically be divided into artsy people and writing people. Everyone seems to have one that they prefer, one topic that lies in their element.

I'm a writing person. That bugs me.

So, I'm trying to venture into the brave little world of blog design. The next post will be testing my shiny brand-new signature, trusting that I can get Photoshop Elements to behave.

Inky

Daytime Photos

2012-01-07T15:36:00.000-06:00

Almost every hamster owner has watched their hamster wake up in the middle of the day, spend 15 minutes out pouching, pouching, pouching, and then bolt back into their nest and scratch around before falling back asleep. I just caught Rory during one of these times.

Inky

Giveaway Winner!

2012-01-07T11:53:00.000-06:00

The giveaway results are here!

I used Random.org, the online random number generator to choose winners from the pool of comments, and the winner is....

Comment One! {Billie Sixx/Pauline Mercedes}

Congratulations to the winner and kudos to everyone who participated.
Pauline, you can email me at hamsterheart777@gmail.com and I'll get you in touch with Alexandra on Etsy. The digital file will be emailed to you for your use.

Thanks, everyone,
Inky

Brand-new design?

2012-01-06T15:40:00.000-06:00

Followers, please comment! Giveaway :)

Not my doing, clearly, being the non-artsy type, but still...

Anyhow, credit for the amazing design goes to Nina over at Sunlit Photography. Cue the applause!

(Now I have to screw with it a bit, as I am completely unused to having such a nice-looking blog.)

From 2020site.org

What do you think? Love it? Hate it?

I personally love it.

Signing off,

Inky and Rory

Another blog by me

2012-01-05T10:40:00.000-06:00

Followers, please comment! Giveaway :)

I've just started another hamster-themed blog, Hamster Heart, to honor people's dearly departed hamsters and gerbils. If you have a hammie that you want to be featured on the blog, email me at hamsterheart777@gmail.com.

Inky

Happy New Years!

2012-01-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

Followers, please comment! Giveaway :)

First of all, the one thing you must check out for the New Year: here.

Another ecard below.

As far as I can tell, you're supposed to email this vid to your hamster. Random, much? If you check out the suggestions, YouTube thinks you should also watch "Happy New Year, my Honey," and "Happy New Year, Man."

So, 2012.
2011's been a great year for hamsters. A lot of wonderful new hamster bloggers have started their journey into the blogosphere this year, and if no other hamster blogger is going to list them, then I will.

Cheek Pouches-- Started November 2011
Dashing Hamsters: A website for modern hamster lovers-- Started April 2011
FLUFFY TOUGHIE-- Started April 2011
My Hamster-- Started May 2011
and, this blog, Inky the Hamster Mommy, started August 2011!

There are so many amazing hamster bloggers out there that I would be hard-pressed to mention all of them, so if I didn't mention you there, I'm sorry.

Anyhow, those blogs in the above list were all started in the past year and they are all enjoyable to read. I love all of them.

So, 2012.

2011's been a great year for Rory and I. I've started my journey as a hamster parent, and I'm loving it.

Rory has come a long way in the taming process.

Remember this? Rory's first night at my house?

In any case, signing off for today,

Inky of Inky the Hamster Mommy

Giveaway

2011-12-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

Alright, only a few days 'til the new year, and here comes the New Years giveaway.

I'm waiting for some more responses from Etsy stores and the like, but I've got one 'yes' that just has to be negotiated.


HAMSTER 1x1 inch Images Digital Collage Sheet Download and Print (2-196)

Thank you Alexandra for the generous sponsorship, and check out her Etsy shop, Artvision!

So, this is how the entries system stands so far:

If you are eligible for any of these entries, comment on this post, (aka: "I follow your blog, 1 entry.")

Mandatory Entry: Follow this blog. 1 entry,
Extra Entries: Friend Rory on Facebook 1 entry,
'Like' the Inky the Hamster Mommy Blog page 2 entries,
Blog about (and link to) this giveaway 3 entries,
Buy something from Artvision (link above) 5 entries,
Tell me what you would do with the prize (really, I want to know!) 6 entries

Thanks for being awesome followers,
Inky

Hey, world!

2011-12-28T14:46:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, getting some end-of-the-year slash giveaway stuff done... right now I'm at a tech store typing this on their demo MacBook Pro, so I should probably get off, but I'm just online to post some cute hamster pix to hold your hamster-cuteness meters for a while...

Thanks for bearing with me and my hectic holidays,
Inky

2011-12-26T18:19:00.000-06:00

Rory has a Pinterest page!

Check it out!

Inky

Looking toward the New Year!

2011-12-26T11:34:00.000-06:00

To start off this post, take a look at this.

I'm actually going to try it when January spins around for sign-up, I think. I'll be busy this April!

Anyhow, here are so photos from last night.

TIP OF THE DAY: Otherwise boring food becomes instantly desirable of placed out of reach. When I stuck bread through the cage bars, Rory was suddenly interested.

Wait... one last thought!

2011-12-25T21:24:00.000-06:00

Wheatgrass-- The Hamster Gift that Keeps Giving

2011-12-25T15:57:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know this post title sounds like a cheesy insurance company slogan.

But, wheatgrass is truly a great hamster gift, and the one that I gave Rory. Wheatgrass is good for the immune system and offers nutritious fiber to growing hamsters. Plus, it just plain tastes good.

So, here's Rory enjoying her Christmas gift.

Wheatgrass is probably the easiest thing on earth to grow... just water it every day and it sprouts in less that a week.

Finally signing off from blogging today,

Inky and Rory

Hammie Holiday Happiness!

2011-12-25T14:50:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas, world!

{thinking about that giveaway I promised at the end of the year}

So, I was surfing the web today, looking for delicious holiday dinners for Rory, and I found this site. I've blogged about this before, so I scrolled down until I found the Hamster Birthday/Holiday Cake. Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

1 slice of wheat bread
1/4 cup of mixed fruits(bananas, strawberries, apples)
3 baby carrots
4 chopped up milk bone dog treats

Cut the crust off the wheat bread.

Put the mixed fruit, carrots, in a blender for about 10 seconds.

Spread the blended fruit/carrots on bread.

Sprinkle chopped dog treats on top.

Let sit for 2 hours or until topping gel (carrots/fruit) cakes the top of the bread.

Cut into 6 small pieces.

Feed to your hamster, and your hamster's hamster friends at his/her next holiday/birthday party!

Yum... sounds great.
Because of my broken blender, I revised it so that I would merely crush the fruit up into little pieces and place it on top of the bread like garnish. Let's take a look at the result.

Whole wheat bread {Whole Foods 365 Daily Value} and dog biscuits {Mother Nature Oven-Baked Chicken}

Organic carrot

Dicing the carrot....

... into bite-sized pieces

Carrots and dog biscuits arranged on bread.

With a little fruit and yogurt drops...


Place setting

Rory ready to eat!


Yum yum yum

Merry Christmas from Inky and Rory!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T18:01:00.000-06:00

I'm still wrapping gift after gift after gift, but the main stress of the Christmas season is over. Whooo-hoo!

Anyhow, for those who are done with gifts and ready to be extravagant to make Christmas day special for their hamster, here is how to do it.

Check out tomorrow's post. I will definitely be trying out some recipes that I found online and there will be a cooking post.
Do some Googling! Lots of people have set out on an adventure to make Christmas special for their hamster, and probably blogged about it. Plus, a little adorable entertainment has never hurt anyone.
Set up a winter wonderland for your hamster to wake up to. I'm envisioning ornaments, glitter, trees, the whole shebang.

Beautiful... imagine being a hamster and waking up to a miniature version of this!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Yours in holiday spirit,

Inky

Christmas ADVENT Post: Cute Holiday Hams

2011-12-23T17:56:00.000-06:00

So, my busy life gave me a minute to write this post.

See, I meant to do a Christmas ADVENT Post every single day to give my readers little tidbits of Christmas hamster info... but no. So now I'm sitting here at my laptop watching How I Met Your Mother reruns on CBS and writing this post.

As you can see, I don't have a whole lot of time, so I'm just posting some cute hamster pix for you to enjoy.

Happy Holidays!

Yours in Christmas spirit,

Inky

Christmas ADVENT Post: Gifts for Hamsters

2011-12-20T20:44:00.001-06:00

Rory officially has a Christmas stocking.

Since the holidays are nearly upon us, I thought I'd start a gift-giving list for hamster owners.

After all-- they're worth it.

HAMSTER GIFT LIST 2011

Kaytee Hamster Treats - This page has almost every kind of treat imaginable, yogurt drops, seed sticks, chew biscuits, Nutra-Puffs, and my favorite, yogurt-dipped timothy hay. What I recommend: Rory enjoys the yogurt drops (in conservative moderation, because these are very fatty) and the yogurt-dipped timothy hay. The Healthy Bits, which are basically compressed seeds, are either-or for her, depending on mood-- sometimes she loves them and sometimes she has to step on them before noticing their presence.
Super Pet-- Hamster Toys - The place to get pet toys, treats, et cetera. What I recommend: Rory has the Kritter Kabob and loves it, as well as an almost infinite amount of chew toys from this company. LOVELOVELOVE.
Remember "it's-the-thought-that-counts," that feeling that authenticity should be part of the holidays? Well, bring on the tasty homemade hamster treats! Go here and here for tons of hamster-friendly treat recipes. (check back later, because I am completely trying those recipes out!)

That's the abridged hamster gift list for now. Good luck hamster shopping!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

CHRISTMAS HAMSTER OF THE DAY


This photo from acuteaday.com

Yours in holiday spirit,

Inky

Chirstmas ADVENT Post: Hamster Christmas Cards

2011-12-19T19:08:00.000-06:00

With the holidays coming around, you know that annual ordeal of writing cards to every last family member, that unwritten rule that demands you wish every one of your second-cousins-twice-removed a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

So, being a hamster lover, I decided to go online and just take a look at exactly what Christmas cards are out there featuring our favorite rodent.

Etsy
The crafter's haven offered several adorable hamster-themed Christmas cards.

Cute Dwarf Hamster Anime Girl Christmas Card

Christmas Hamster Cards and Envelopes Set of Six

Hamsters Winter Cards

Have a Happy Holiday/Have a Merry Christmas

Zazzle

The Hamster Christmas Card Page! Go there to see a list of all the card links.

Cafepress

Gorgeous portrayal of a Syrian hamster wreathed in, well, wreaths!

Syrian Hamster Christmas Cards

Happy Holidays, everyone!

CHRISTMAS HAMSTER OF THE DAY


This photo from thedigeratilife.com

OH! WAITWAITWAITWAIT!

I just discovered something that I (sorry,guys!) forgot in the Rodent Holidays Playlist. Here it is.

Yours in holiday spirit,

Inky

Christmas ADVENT Post: Charities Benefiting Small Animals

2011-12-18T10:32:00.000-06:00

With the holidays coming around, there are two things you hear most people are buying.

Presents (big surprise there)
Money donated to charities in the name of the gift receiver

This post focuses on the latter of the two.
There are literally zillions of charities out there with mottoes like "donate and save a horse," "donate and save a dog," "donate and save an African elephant," et cetera.

But where are all the charities that benefit hamsters in need? What happens to unwanted rats?

Below is a list of several charities that benefit small animals.

ZAMS Animal Charity- Small Animals
The link above opens a Causes page that allows you to join the Facebook Cause, at which point you can donate. The money goes toward the SPCA International. For more info, check out the ZAMS Club Animal Charity page.

Animal Care Trust-- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals
This is a UK animal hospital (in affiliation with the Royal Veterinary College) that includes a small animal hospital. The money goes to funding for the hospital in areas such as equipment. For more info, check out the ACT's Charity Choice page.

PetSmart Charities
Browse around for charities benefiting almost any animal.

Sussex Pet Rescue
This charity rescues some small companion animals like ferrets and guinea pigs. Click to donate.

Cavy Rescue
This charity is my favorite in the bunch. It applies to almost every small companion animal.

Chinchillas
Degus (yes, I am also saying "what the heck is a degu?" For degu info, go here.)
Gerbils
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Mice
Rabbits
Rats

Affiliated Rescues give you several more small animal rescues to choose from.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

CHRISTMAS HAMSTER OF THE DAY

This photo from djibnet.com

Yours in holiday spirit,

Inky

Rory vs. Ribbons, a Christmas Photoshoot

2011-12-11T17:15:00.001-06:00

This commences your cute-ification for the evening.
Yours,
Inky

All-time Best Photo

2011-12-10T17:04:00.001-06:00

What you wouldn't necessarily notice, just reading this blog, is that I take zillions of pictures, and post a tiny percentage of them. (Namely because Rory is completely incapable of sitting still.) So this is an old photo that got buried in piles of unused ones, and now it has resurfaced because it is officially the best one of Rory. I think.

I just set the broccoli on top of the cage for a second...

Playing with the Box-- Last Night's Photos!

2011-12-10T12:41:00.001-06:00

Adorable pix from last night!

Picture perfect Rory!

"I can't see the camera.... I bet it can't see me!"

Saying hi!

Awwww... camera shy.

Rodent Holidays-- the playlist is here!

2011-12-05T15:11:00.001-06:00

First song of all: a classic-- hamsterified!
Check it out!

That's right, Hampton and his crew are back at it for the holidays. Loving it!

Certainly more well known than Hampton are Alvin and the Chipmunks. Let's give it up for the little fuzzballs! Here's hoping for a fluffy-tailed Christmas!

Short and sweet and adorable, the next song is a cute little YouTube clip guaranteed to delight.

And finally, to top off the season's greatest hamster holiday music, here's some person's Christmas lights blinking to the tune of "Hamster Dance"

Dizzying, dazzling, and perfectly Christmas-y!

Happy Holidays, World!
Inky

P.S. Hampton and the Hamsters have officially released a holiday album. Check it out here.

Hampton's Holiday Songs

Hampsterdance Christmas
All I Want for Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Jingle Bells
Deck the Halls
Frosty the Snowman
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

December Blog Schedule

2011-12-04T17:37:00.001-06:00

So: December is here.

Since it's now officially the holidays, I thought I'd do something special. A few special things.

First: if I can get ten followers by the end of December, there will be a New Years hamster-related giveaway.

Second: lots of holiday posts! On December 18th, I'll start an online week-before-Christmas advent calendar.

Third: a Rodent Holidays playlist will be starting soon, with tons of tunes fit for furry friends and their humans.

Fourth: lots of pix! There is no way I will let Rory have a drab first holiday season.

Thanks for reading,
Inky

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:05:00.001-06:00

So, today I realized that today is Turkey Day, after being caught up in that thing that happens while you're making other plans: life.

I turned to the blog of fellow hamster owner Mathijs van der Paauw. Mathijs, though I can't spell your name without going to Amazon to find your book cover, you are a lifesaver.

Both in the Cookin' for Lucy section of his blog, and in his published book, Happy Hamster, van der Paauw walks you through several divine (and hamster-safe) recipes that can be easily made for your fluffy, hungry little friend.

After scrolling through columns upon columns of heart-melting pictures of his hamsters (all named Lucy, the only difference in time being the addition of 1.0, 2.0, and so on), I selected the easiest recipe: Easy Cheese/Apple Rolls.

Okay, so they're not as perfect and, um, circular as on the website. I bet they still taste good!

The result? Pictures below.

Super Rory eats like lightning! Nomnomnomnomnomnomnom!

Posting from the glorious, but hamsterless, Minnesota!

2011-11-12T08:45:00.001-06:00

Hello, world!

As you can see, I'm not really the kind of blogger that posts just to post. Thus, the looooooong gap in posts for your enjoyment and cute-ification.

But now, there is something to say, and I am not posting just to post.
This is the something to say:

Rory, darling Rory, is right now at her first sleepover!

She is sleeping over with a friend and owner of the fabulous Clem, a gorgeous cinnamon hamster that I really need pictures of!

So, clearly I'm not on my regular computer, loaded with the pix from dropping Rory off at her sleepover. But this one comes close.


Rory grooms herself in her travel cage.


Rory settles into her regular cage after a long trip.

On another note, I've decided to try a Worldle of this blog so far. This, up ahead, is what I've talked about on this website so far.

Sorry for the quality, I have just about no clue how to work Wordle. When I do, I'll repost.

Inky

2011-09-25T10:48:00.001-05:00

Training is going awesome!

Seriously people! I need requests here!

2011-09-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, seriously. I need requests. The song for the next Rory Cinema will be "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga.

Remember to connect with Rory on Facebook! She'll be more active now, I promise.

Thanks for reading,
Inky

Brand new photos in all their bright and shiny glory!

2011-09-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

:) Give me some feedback! (Isn't she adorable?)
Inky

Song requests??? New training development!

2011-08-31T16:58:00.000-05:00

Finally, Rory walked onto my hand! And stayed there, too. She pooped on my finger, and spent the longest time nibbling on broccoli. Pictures soon!

And... I still need more song requests! The next Rory Cinema will be coming soon, and I'll just choose a song for that one. After that I need your requests!

Thanks for reading ♥
Inky

Rory's email and Facebook! Contact NOW!

2011-08-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

Hi, and introducing... RORY'S NEW FACEBOOK AND EMAIL!

Rory's new contact information is below. Add her and interact!

email: auroraborealis8888@gmail.com
facebook: Rory Borealis

Check her out! Friend her! Yay!
Inky

MORE PHOTOS!

2011-08-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

:) Brand new photos!

Rory runs in her ball!

Peeking out of the tunnel

Rory the champion climber!

Take a look at how the tunnel is up against the Roll-A-Nest, creating a little playground!

Thanks for reading!
Inky

Introducing...

2011-08-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

a new camera! My family has finally decided that I'm allowed to touch the ancient point-and-shoot that happens to be the best camera we have.

Therefore, more photos.

Thanks for reading!
Inky

Some Old Photos, and Rory's new bed!

2011-08-23T13:38:00.000-05:00

First of all, here are some old photos long overdue. So sorry for no posts in forever! But.... I still am waiting for Rory Cinema song requests!

Rory awakens by sticking her nose up from the bedding and slowly surfacing the rest of her body.

Rory climbs to the top!

Rory chews on the bars...

Look how high up she is! (For a hamster, at least)


Rory has a new bed!

If you peeked at the last photo, you'll know the news! Rory has a new (probably temporary) bed.
Rory took to the tofu container instantly, and is now happily sleeping under it.

Thanks for reading. Please post some song requests for Rory Cinema!
Inky

Breaking into YouTube- Rory Cinema Episode 1

2011-08-18T19:41:00.000-05:00

Heyyy, Rory and I are breaking into the wide world of YouTube!
Check out this blog's channel right here!

And now, what you've all been waiting for:
Rory Cinema Episode 1!
"The Yawn"

Song rights go to muvee Technologies

If you actually took the time to watch Rory yawn for the camera, you know that I was indeed able to put in a song. Soooooo....

I'm open for song requests! Give me a song and I'll incorporate it into the next video! Any and every song, as long as I can find a free download on the Web.

Thanks for watching the first episode of Rory Cinema,
Inky

Rory Cinema COMING UP!

2011-08-18T19:02:00.000-05:00

Just letting everyone brace themselves for the cuteness...
Rory Cinema is coming to Inky the Hamster Mommy!

Just one issue to be solved... how to get rid of all that background noise! I'll be figuring it out on the internet, and hopefully putting some cute music in the background!

Oh, and if it does turn out that I can put music in the background, then I'll set up a request post. On that post, you can request songs for me to download and attach to the wonderful vids :)

Thanks for reading,
Inky

Viral internet hamster music... pop for Rory?

2011-08-17T17:30:00.000-05:00

It was mainly because of my account on popular internet radio website last.fm that I stumbled upon the world of hamster music that easily goes viral on the internet.

Hampton the Hamster, a strangely spelled "novelty dance music act," creates many catchy and addictive-to-attempt-to-sing songs, which I've compiled below.

The Official "Hamsterdance" Music Video

Viral video "Hamster Time," which is a complete song with lyrics

"Even Hampsters Fall in Love," a Hampton the Hampster song from the hit album "The Hampster Dance Party."

"Thank God I'm a Country Boy," again by Hampton

"Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom," by Parry Grip

"Hamster on a Piano," by some YouTuber whose name has been lost in piles of YouTube crap.

Thanks for reading and watching and LOL'ing,

Inky
P.S. For serious Hampton fans, go here to listen to everything from all his albums. The music videos can be found easily on YouTube, and they're so cute there's no reason you shouldn't hit the search bar right now ; )

Picture Perfect Rory, exercise, and broccoli

2011-08-16T21:39:00.000-05:00

The photos from tonight's adventures:

The Broccoli. With how utterly protective Rory is of the often-snubbed vegetable, I'm honored I managed to photograph it.

Picture Perfect Rory. The cutest pic of Rory ever-- yet.

Picture Perfect Rory with (accidental... sorry, Rory!) flash!

Exercise is Rory's preferred way piss on things.

Rory's gorgeous silhouette in the warm glow of a lamp. Cute alarms going off yet?

Thanks for reading! (and having the privilege of seeing The Broccoli, of course),
Inky

A Difference of Opinion

2011-08-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

After a lots of thought, I decided I would dump all the litter out of the mason jar and let Rory use it as her bed, as she seemed to prefer it as.

VETOED

Rory seemed to prefer her regular Do-It-Yourself sleeping default: the floor.

Yours,

Inky

Missundaztood, much?

2011-08-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh, I can't stop laughing.

Here's the story:
This morning, I put a toilet into Rory's cage. A plain mason jar with pet litter in it, plus some soiled bedding so she's understand what it was for. I wiped out her wheel (which was urine-soaked) with a tissue, and put that in too, so she'd smell it and understand.

Here are the pictures I took just about five minutes ago when I took the towel off her cage, waking her up. They don't need captions. They speak for themselves.

Thanks from me and my crazy hamster, as P!nk music plays in the background,
Inky

Last Sunday Night

2011-08-15T14:01:00.000-05:00

Rory got more roll-around ball exercise last night... she loves that thing! No photos for now, but thanks for reading!

Inky

Photos from August 12th

2011-08-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Heyyy, sorry no photos for a while. These photos are actually a few days old, (from the 12th), but still awesome. We took Rory out for her first roll-around-ball playtime, and she had a blast!


You can see her just faintly in her roll-around ball... the room was darkened a bit for her comfort, so flash was necessary, though it made it harder to see.

Then, I put her in her travel cage and went to clean her wheel.After wheel-cleaning, I got my camera out and shot some hamster paparazzi-esque pix. Rory was sprinting up and down the travel cage, grooming, and climbing over the box I used to transport her, so I could never get a good shot, but check out the many I did get below!

Sorry for blurriness, and arrangement (I didn't have much time...), but thanks for reading and admiring. Yours,
Inky

Rory's "Mornings" getting later

2011-08-12T14:41:00.000-05:00

Strangely enough, the further she gets into her acclimation period, the later Rory seems to wake up. Thus, no photos from last night. No training either.

Tonight there'll be photos if Rory wakes up sooner. Grrrrrr....

Thanks for reading (and sadly, not looking at pictures,)
Inky

Online hamsters any good?

2011-08-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

No photos from yesterday: neither the camera nor Rory was being picture-perfect, but there's still stuff to read about!

Okay, so today I was bored. Rory was asleep, and I was surfing the Net...

that's when I discovered this whole world of virtual hamsters available online.

So, I've given myself a mission: check out these sites and figure out if they're any good. For one, virtual hamsters aren't nocturnal... they're awake 24/7, but do they come close to the real thing?

So, read on for some fun info on online hamsters...

Hamster Academy
This one of the first results under the Google search "virtual hamster."

I have an account, so I can give a bit of an insider view of this site. (My pseudo is creamgenepalomino. Add me!)

While you can choose between many types of hamsters, each with distinctive personalities and colors, the hamster you see in the cage is always a generic golden. Mainly, in this game, you don't do any interacting with the animal itself, rather, you add things to it's environment in a detached fashion. You can "fondle" the animal, but all these functions are by way of buttons, and happiness is measured in percentage bars that can be filled or unfilled with color.

The one thing I love about this site is the pictures. What follows is a picture of my current virtual hamster, Purr.

Hamster Land Virtual Hamster

Haha, okay, I am kind of obsessed with playing with this little gadget. It's not actually a legitimate hamster that appears in that narrow box... it's a series of punctuation marks that form a face, as below:

=(^_^)=

Just click "catch a hamster" and keep on clicking those buttons underneath. Your hamster's face will change and it will move around in the box labeled "Hamster." The box labeled "Feeling" displays the hamster's state, whether it be soothed to dead.

Bunny Hero Labs Pet Hamster

First, you have to select "Hamster."

I created my account to mimic my real life hamster, and used inkyyy as my name.

This is a gadget just like the aBowman hamster at the top of this blog, so I added it to my iGoogle.

This is not really much of a gadget... the little hamster's head follows your cursor everywhere, but it doesn't eat or drink. Here's an image I just pulled off Google Images of someone else's virtual hamster.

Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN THIS PIC AT ALL. I JUST PULLED IT OFF GOOGLE IMAGES THREE SECONDS AGO. IT CAN BE TRACED TO FREEWEBS.COM . AND, AS YOU CAN SEE, THE NAME ISN'T MINE. DUH.

Anyhow....

Thanks for reading,

Inky

Rory Cinema Coming Soon!

2011-08-11T14:44:00.000-05:00

Some vids will soon be uploaded for this blog!!!

Thanks for reading,
Inky

Rory's favorite treat!

2011-08-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Training yielded one critical piece of info today: Rory's current favorite treat!

And the winner is.... Healthy Bits, by Kaytee Pro-Health.

Yaaaay!

Inky

Hamster "day" three PHOTOS!

2011-08-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

Today's photos are up now!

Rory, lounging around in her messy cage...

Rory rocketed up the cage to say hi!

Climbing down... surprisingly, she didn't fall!

Thanks for reading and admiring,

Sincerely,
Inky

Hamster "day" two PHOTOS!

2011-08-09T21:37:00.000-05:00

"Day" 2 photos are up now!

Rory, half awake, nibbles on a bit of bread crust.


Here you can see the bread crust a bit better, in addition to her cardboard hidey-hole tube.

A beautiful profile: Rory gazes into the sunshine outside her cage.

Thanks for reading and admiring!
Today's pix will be up soon :)

Sincerely,
Inky

All of last night's photos coming UP!

2011-08-09T11:21:00.000-05:00

I'm currently at a computer that's not mine, but lots of cute photos from last night will be up when I get home.

Rory enjoyed her bread crusts with seeds... very crunchy after a day of sitting in her food bowl for a whole day as she slept. Needless to say, she didn't mind.

Anyhow, lots more pix coming soon! Rory's training starts tonight when she wakes up, so lots of pix then!The lighting will be better too, once I can handle both her and the camera.

Second hamster "day" photos: waking up!

2011-08-08T18:58:00.000-05:00

As long as Rory was awake and actively grooming herself, I thought I'd take a few photos.

Photoshop is currently inaccessible for me, so I was stuck with MSPaint. The photos are underexposures because I can't edit at all on MSPaint. Here's hoping they set of your cute alarm.


Rory, waking up buried in bedding and tissues. She didn't like her Grass Roll-A-Nest... I get the feeling that she's a Do-It-Yourself Girl.

The pose right before this one was cuter (an adorable yawn), but this one's nice too. Rory attempts to reach her salt lick without getting out of bed. The little orange thingy in the corner is her loofah carrot chew.

Thanks so much for reading, (and looking at the pictures, of course,)
Inky

Valentines Day Look! What do you think?
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